Restrictions in Srinagar areas ahead of protests

Separatist groups had earlier this week urged the people to hold “peaceful protests” after congregational prayers.

Schoolchildren walk past an Indian policeman during a curfew in downtown Srinagar, July 28. (Reuters Photo)

Jammu and Kashmir authorities on Friday imposed restrictions on parts of Srinagar as a precautionary measure against protests called by separatists in the city, a police official said.

The curbs were put into place in five police station areas, Nowhatta, Khanyar, MR Gunj, Rainawari and Safakadal, he said.

Separatist groups had earlier this week urged the people to hold “peaceful protests” after congregational prayers.

“Hold peaceful protests after Friday prayers to protest the suspension of life sentences of army soldiers involved in the Machil fake encounter and persecution of pro-freedom leadership,” the chairmen of the two factions of the Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and JKLF chief Yasin Malik said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

A military court has reportedly granted bail to and suspended the life sentences of five army men, including two officers, allegedly involved in the killing of three civilians near the Line of Control (LoC) in 2010.